The Dallas Cowboys signed former New England Patriots cornerback Alex Austin to the practice squad after a Tuesday workout in Frisco, adding depth to a secondary that has been hit by a series of injuries. Austin was one of five defensive players Dallas brought in for tryouts, along with safety Juanyeh Thomas, defensive backs Shemar Bartholomew and Tyrek Funderburk, and linebacker Germaine Pratt.
Austin entered the NFL as a seventh-round selection by the Buffalo Bills in 2023 after a four-year career at Oregon State. Buffalo waived him before his rookie season began, after which he joined the Houston Texans. He appeared in three games for Houston before moving to New England.
Austin's longest run in the NFL was with the Patriots. He played in 29 games, including six starts, and recorded 31 tackles, eight passes defended and one interception. His first career interception came against the Bills in Week 17 of his rookie season. Austin also appeared in three playoff games with New England, including Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks last season.
The 25-year-old spent this past summer with the Miami Dolphins but did not make the roster for Week 1.
The Cowboys' need for additional cornerback help comes after multiple injuries. Cobie Durant has been dealing with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 2 and is unlikely to play against the Texans on Sunday. Shavon Revel also suffered ankle and knee injuries versus the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. Through three weeks, DaRon Bland and first-round defensive back Caleb Downs are the only two of Dallas' five opening-day secondary starters still available.
The safety position has also been depleted. Malik Hooker is recovering from a surgically repaired fractured forearm, PJ Locke is on injured reserve with a torn plantar fascia, and Jalen Thompson suffered a hamstring injury against the Ravens and is expected to be placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.
Thomas gives the Cowboys another familiar option at safety. He originally joined Dallas as an undrafted free agent from Georgia Tech back in 2022 and appeared in 36 games, making four starts, while accumulating 62 tackles, five passes defended and one forced fumble. He was also a regular special teams contributor.